Her album was one of the fastest selling of 2014, and she has a legion of dedicated fans behind her, but that doesn’t seem to have been enough to save Sam Bailey’s record deal.

A representative for Simon Cowell’s record label Syco, to which Sam signed after her X Factor triumph, confirmed today that the singer's deal has unfortunately not been renewed.

To add insult to injury, the statement could not have been any more blunt, with the rep simply saying: “Sam Bailey is no longer with Syco.”

It appears that poor Sam has fallen victim to the old X Factor curse, with a source revealing that Simon made his decision based on the ‘short shelf life’ and appeal of the reality show’s contestants.

The source told The Sun: “Music is a tough business. Simon realises most X Factor winners have a short shelf life.”

The news doesn’t seem to have discouraged Sam from continuing on her dream, and the 37-year-old told the newspaper that she was excited at the possibilities that lay ahead of her.

“I’m really grateful for everything X Factor has done for me. I’m going straight into a studio to write after the tour. I would also maybe like to get into acting and I would love to do Strictly Come Dancing,” she said.

We wish her all the best!